Matthew looked back to see what all the ruckus was and his smile fell.

It's not that he didn't want to see Gilbert again, he just wanted to heal before then. He knew his vanity got the better of him sometimes, but he wanted to at least look okay-ish. He knew the bruises on his face made him look deformed and rotten and he had no clue how the prince recognized him in his state.

Matthew wanted to cry. He hadn't finished getting everything for the night's supper, but at that moment, he didn't really care. All thoughts escaped him except for the belief that Gilbert would somehow hate him if he found out the life Matthew led.

His breathing had grown ragged, less because of exertion and more from the anxiety. Every so often, he would turn his head to look behind him.

At first, he saw the prince dash after him and another taller man behind him that Matthew recognized from the ball. Slowly, the ashy-blond caught up to Gilbert and grabbed him, holding him back from continuing the chase. The man waved with a smile that said 'you better appreciate this" and Matthew waved a 'thank you' back.

Once out of sight and realizing that Gilbert wouldn't be close behind, he slowed down. Taking in as many deep breaths as he could, as he sat by the edge of the road.

He was in town to get beef and a few spices. Reagan had made a special request today for dinner to help cheer up both himself and boys.

In his satchel, he had the spices but he was only just heading to buy the beef.

It was the main meat and Reagan would definitely notice if it were missing.

He'd have to go back.

He spent to much time with the twins already so his family would probably question his tardiness. He could always tell them the meat had to be cut to size so it took a while longer.

He had to quickly run back, otherwise, the story would never be believable. It hadn't been that long since Gilbert had stopped chasing him so he knew he'd be there when he went back. Matthew just hoped he wouldn't say anything.

He let his hands press on his eyes to help relieve the headache that was starting to form. A moment later, he was sprinting back towards town.

Gilbert wasn't surprised by much.

Was he surprised that the man he had met in the forest could be seen in town?

No. Obviously not.

He was surprised to catch a version of the beautiful face he had seen the night before he was not expecting. The cuts looked like they had antibiotic cream spread on them and the general shade of the skin was no longer pale, but a mix of purple and green.

When he called out and saw it, he was taken aback for a moment before realizing the man had started to run. It was apparent to Gilbert that there was only one thing to do at that moment: run after him.

He found it hard to keep up, much like the night before. Again, because of the general beside him, the boy got away.

Was he surprised that he was left out of a plan to save his Birdie?

No. Not really. It helped that the way Ivan explained it made him believe secrecy was key and knew secrecy wasn't always his forte.

Walking back, everyone in a while, glaring at the man beside him, he was surprised again as his Birdie ran past him, back to town. He decided to follow him again. It wasn't that much further into town and maybe they could talk for a little bit.

He was not running as fast so it was fairly easy for Gilbert to catch up and fall into step with him. Ivan wasn't far behind but he didn't mind.

"So, what're we running for?"

He almost laughed as the boy jumped as if just noticing his presence, but stopped when he looked off to the side, hiding his face.

"I've got to get back home soon, but I forgot the meat for tonight's meal."

"How about I have Ivan get it and we can stop and talk for a little bit?" He knew both men wouldn't like the idea, but Gilbert needed to hear more information from the one living in a sucky situation.

He grabbed the boy's wrist and stopped him, trying not to be rough to prevent any more bruises on the marred skin. He relayed the instructions to Ivan who grumbled while continuing his jog.

Violet eyes wouldn't meet his. A look of desperation settled over his face for a moment and he pulled him over to sit on the side of the road.

Gilbert really couldn't find any words. He didn't know how to start this conversation so he opted for something else.

"You know, I've been calling you Birdie for the past couple of days since I didn't know your name."

"Sorry. It's Matthew."

"No need for apologies. You were understandably busy." He took a pause before trying out the new name. "Matthew," the name felt strange on Gilbert's tongue. It was a nice name but seemed too formal and ridged for him.

"Birdie's okay though. I like it." A smile graced Matthew's face as he blushed and it made him look more alive. The bruises mostly hid the new color in his cheeks and Gilbert found himself being a bit disappointed he still couldn't hold the eyes that flickered up to him every once in a while.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

Matthew closed his eyes, undoubtedly trying to remain calm and Gilbert found himself regretting the question.

"It was my fault." That was not a good answer and they both knew it. "I directly disobeyed their request."

"Birdie," Gilbert let his hand sit on top the Matthew's, trying to get him to stop fidgeting. "No one should treat you like that, no matter what you did."

Matthew took in a deep breath. "They're family. I can't just let them go. They need me. I need them."

It sounded like he had repeated this to himself multiple times.

"Can I help? Anything at all, you can ask me."

Matthew shook his head and bit his lip.

They were silent for a couple more seconds.

"Is there a time that I can come meet with you? Anytime at all. We can just talk like we are doing now."

Matthew thought for a while before he answered. "Four. Four in the morning."

That was early but it would have to do. Gilbert really wanted to get him out of the situation, but if it would cause his Birdie a mental breakdown, then it couldn't really be worth it.

They sat for a while longer. Gilbert held the boy's hands, studying what he was unable to the nights before.

They were long and slender. One had clearly been painfully burnt and he suddenly realized that the gloves were meant to hide the pinpricks that dotted his hands.

He knew once they healed they'd be even more beautiful than they were now.

"I think you may have gotten the awesome me to love you."

Matthew froze. "Love". He hadn't heard that word in a long time, that was unless it came behind or followed a negative.

He saw his vision blur.

The first drop fell.

He felt the hand that had captured his own move towards his back and bring him to a hug. He could feel himself shaking. This was the first time he cried, truly let tears fall, in the presence of anyone since his father died.

How could this kind man "love" something that acted like him, let alone looked like him?

It made no sense to Matthew.

Yet the arms that held him close to the warm, comforting body were still there. The man seemed to cherish him, rubbing his back in soothing motions, whispering in low tones.

Matthew's arms stayed at his side, unable to move. He sat there, only letting a few sobs escape him as he bawled. Gilbert only held him tighter, seemingly mindful to make sure his grasp wasn't too tight.

A kiss was planted on his forehead and the prince pulled back.

"Finally, I get to see those awesomely beautiful eyes."

A hand was brought up to gently wipe away some of his tears and Matthew couldn't hold back a small smile.

"He's back with your meat. I'll see you at four tomorrow morning near your front door."

He nodded back as Gilbert helped him up with utmost care. Bringing up his own hands to help clear his face of tears, he took the package from Ivan and started running towards home.

This time looking back and waving at the both of them.

Upon arriving home, Matthew went straight to the kitchen. He wasn't stopped by anyone asking why he had been late coming home. He could hear them in the parlor. They probably didn't realize he had left.

This dish took a while so he knew he'd better start now.

Gilbert was at a loss. The boy who was looking back at him and waving didn't want to leave his abusive household.

He'd talk to Birdie over the next week and hope he could get him to see that hurt and love were not synonymous.

He felt terrible. Something like this happened in his kingdom. It didn't matter that this person was close to him. Someone in his land was being hurt by those they should trust. It broke his heart.

He felt even worse knowing that it was Matthew. That the one being hurt was someone as loving and kind and, let's face it, awesome as him.

Just moments ago, he held the trembling boy in his arms, trying to calm him. Gilbert hadn't meant to make him cry and he wasn't sure what triggered it exactly, but it seemed to make him feel better afterward.

Those violet eyes seemed so sad and he hoped he didn't imagine the gratitude in them as well. He also noticed how thin the boy was. The night before, he was in a coat that was form fitting but was still thick. Today, his baggy, thin shirt hid most of his body until Gilbert got the chance to hug him. He was too thin. He wondered how much the boy ate or if he was given much food at all.

"We've got to go to bed early tomorrow. I need to be at his house by four in the morning."

Ivan just nodded as they walked quietly back to town.

"Now that you know, we should meet up with the others."

"Okay."

So Gilbert was taken to a restaurant in town where a waiter led them to a small room in the back that was already seemingly full with four people and a table in it.

As they looked up, each holding a different level of shock. "The awesome me has arrived to help with your puny plan."

"I hate him already."

Antonio snorted. "Gil, this is Lovi," he said, pointing to the one who made the comment, "and Feliciano."

"It's Lovino, you tomato bastard."

Lovino and Feliciano told him more about Matthew's home life before, and what they guessed it was like now from the injuries they had seen on the boy later that day.

His brother, Antonio, and Ivan each explained the plan and their parts in it.

The original plan was simple. They would scope out what the situation was first, leaving a note for Matthew to find before a group went back to get him a week later and arrest the family.

Gilbert took a deep breath, knowing everyone was going to object the idea, he hated it himself, but he knew it was necessary.

"I don't think we should leave a note and I want to wait on arresting them."

With that, Lovino had begun to climb over the table, screaming obscenities, Antonio holding him back with a worried look on his face. Ludwig held something similar mixed with confusion. Feliciano stared on in shock with Ivan.

"I talked with him today. I don't really want to explain what he said, but I want to hear him say he wants out. I don't want to just uproot him."

Lovino was in his face with an index finger. "I hate you, but you're right. I know what you mean. I still hate you and your stupid brother but you're right."

"I'll be talking with him in the mornings from now on. I still want to scope out the place tonight."

Back at the castle, Gilbert realized he couldn't sit up and wait for the news. He wasn't used to a four A.M. alarm so he went to bed.

Matthew's family had just finished dinner when a knock at the door came.

Hi!

I hope you all are enjoying the read! I would really like some reviews! (I've really enjoyed the ones I've gotten so far!)

Thank you so much for reading. It means a lot!

I added a little bit of a complication in their plans.

Enjoy your the rest of your day!